Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, who is standing in for the Minister, Deputy Harris, in view of the extraordinary Cabinet meeting being held this morning. I thank him for standing in. I also welcome the interim director general of the HSE, Mr. John Connaghan, who is accompanied by Ms Anne O'Connor, deputy director general and chief operations officer, Mr. Stephen Mulvany, deputy director general and chief financial officer, Mr. Damien McCallion, national director of screening services and Dr. Colm Henry. We are also joined by Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General of the Department of Health.

I draw the attention of the witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I advise the witnesses that any opening statement they make to the committee may be published on the committee's website after the meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, to make his opening statement.